PhD programs vary in length, depending on each country. As a general rule of thumb, doctoral programs are shortest in Great Britain and longest in the United States. In the UK, the program tends to be shorter because there often is no course component. This means that you will be able to start your fields and research almost immediately after you begin the degree program. Most UK universities consider the PhD as a three year program.
In the United States, there is almost always a strong course component to the degree. Most students are required to take at least two and as many as four seminars during their first year. This means that a PhD student will only actually begin his/her fields in year two and this would be followed by the dissertation. In the US, most PhD programs are considered to be four to five years long.
Canada usually represents a compromise between the UK and the US. Most Canadian universities will require that students take approximately two courses--usually during the first semester--and can begin their fields in the second semester. The program length is usually advertised as four years.
In the United States, there is almost always a strong course component to the degree. Most students are required to take at least two and as many as four seminars during their first year. This means that a PhD student will only actually begin his/her fields in year two and this would be followed by the dissertation. In the US, most PhD programs are considered to be four to five years long.
Canada usually represents a compromise between the UK and the US. Most Canadian universities will require that students take approximately two courses--usually during the first semester--and can begin their fields in the second semester. The program length is usually advertised as four years.
